spolia opima

American  

[spoh-lee-uh oh-pahy-muh, -pee-, spaw-li-ah aw-pee-mah] / ˈspoʊ li ə oʊˈpaɪ mə, -ˈpi-, ˈspɔ lɪˌɑ ɔˈpi mɑ /

plural noun

1. (in ancient Rome) the arms taken by a victorious general from the leader of a defeated army.

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Etymology

Origin of spolia opima

From Latin spolia opīma “rich spoils”

Example Sentences

He unlocked his boat, and shoved off into the channel alone, rejoicing in the thought of the spolia opima he should expose next morning at the breakfast-table.

From The History of Margaret Catchpole A Suffolk Girl by Cobbold, Richard

These were her trophies, the spolia opima of the campaign.

From The Wings of the Morning by Tracy, Louis

This dedication of spolia opima is reserved as a privilege for a general who has slain the opposing general with his own hand.

From Plutarch's Lives, Volume I by Stewart, Aubrey

The spoils were called spolia opima, according to Varro, because opim means excellence.

From Plutarch's Lives, Volume I by Stewart, Aubrey

Guynemer had contributed his share of these spolia opima.

From Georges Guynemer Knight of the Air by Sill, Louise Morgan